Review of Man, the State and War
Review of Man, the State and War
In Man, the State and War, Kenneth Waltz examines the question ‘what causes war?’ In his analysis, Waltz assesses 3 approaches or ‘images’ that try to explain the root of war and present their assumptions, criticisms and implications. In the process, Waltz explores work by political philosophers, psychologists and anthropologists to seek explanations for war and suggestions or ‘prescriptions’ for peace. He also poses the question of whether there is a solution for war or whether war is a constant state of man due to his nature. The book seeks to tackle a broad and complex question and does so effectively.
Waltz effectively and clearly arranges his argument, beginning with the first image of human behavior. According to this approach, ‘Wars result from selfishness, from misdirected aggressive impulses, from stupidity’. Firstly, Waltz outlines the views of pessimists and optimists in the approach. For pessimists, peace is at once a goal and a utopian dream, while optimists take seriously the proposition to reform the individual. Secondly, Waltz discusses the internal structure of states. This image claims that the internal structure of the state is crucial in their relations with each other, ‘Removing the defects of states would establish the basis for peace’. This image argues for democratic peace theory in which democratic states do not fight each other. Finally, in the third image, Waltz looks at the anarchical structure of states and balance of power. He writes that ‘war is bound to occur’with so many sovereign states and no governing body to control them. This leads on to his conclusion about the ‘unattainable’ solution. Although Waltz believes all three images are relevant, he emphasizes that the third view of anarchical state organization weighs the greatest importance on state behavior, war and peace. According to Waltz, the third image describes the framework of world politics. He adds that without the first and the
In Man, the State and War, Kenneth Waltz examines the question ‘what causes war?’ In his analysis, Waltz assesses 3 approaches or ‘images’ that try to explain the root of war and present their assumptions, criticisms and implications. In the process, Waltz explores work by political philosophers, psychologists and anthropologists to seek explanations for war and suggestions or ‘prescriptions’ for peace. He also poses the question of whether there is a solution for war or whether war is a constant state of man due to his nature. The book seeks to tackle a broad and complex question and does so effectively.
Waltz effectively and clearly arranges his argument, beginning with the first image of human behavior. According to this approach, ‘Wars result from selfishness, from misdirected aggressive impulses, from stupidity’. Firstly, Waltz outlines the views of pessimists and optimists in the approach. For pessimists, peace is at once a goal and a utopian dream, while optimists take seriously the proposition to reform the individual. Secondly, Waltz discusses the internal structure of states. This image claims that the internal structure of the state is crucial in their relations with each other, ‘Removing the defects of states would establish the basis for peace’. This image argues for democratic peace theory in which democratic states do not fight each other. Finally, in the third image, Waltz looks at the anarchical structure of states and balance of power. He writes that ‘war is bound to occur’with so many sovereign states and no governing body to control them. This leads on to his conclusion about the ‘unattainable’ solution. Although Waltz believes all three images are relevant, he emphasizes that the third view of anarchical state organization weighs the greatest importance on state behavior, war and peace. According to Waltz, the third image describes the framework of world politics. He adds that without the first and the
Cited: Singer, J. David. "International Conflict: Three Levels of Analysis." World Politics 12.3 (1960): n. pag. Print. Swan, Darin. "A Criticism of Waltz 's "Man the State and War" | Darin Swan - Academia.edu." A Criticism of Waltz 's "Man the State and War" | Darin Swan - Academia.edu. N.p., n.d. Web. 11 Jan. 2013. Waltz, Kenneth Neal. Man, the State, and War: A Theoretical Analysis. New York: Columbia UP, 1959. Print. -------------------------------------------- [ 1 ]. Waltz, Kenneth Neal. Man, the State, and War: A Theoretical Analysis.p.16 New York: Columbia UP, 1959. Print. [ 2 ]. Waltz, Kenneth Neal. Man, the State, and War: A Theoretical Analysis. New York: Columbia UP, 1959. Print. [ 3 ]. Waltz, Kenneth Neal. Man, the State, and War: A Theoretical Analysis .p.159 New York: Columbia UP, 1959. Print. [ 4 ]. Swan, Darin. "A Criticism of Waltz 's "Man the State and War" | Darin Swan - Academia.edu." A Criticism of Waltz 's "Man the State and War" | Darin Swan - Academia.edu. N.p., n.d. Web. 11 Jan. 2013. [ 5 ]. Singer, J. David. "International Conflict: Three Levels of Analysis." World Politics 12.3 (1960): n. pag. Print. [ 6 ]. Waltz, Kenneth Neal. Man, the State, and War: A Theoretical Analysis. New York: Columbia UP, 1959. Print.